2026 UEC Gravel European Championships
📍 Houffalize, Belgium
Helchteren, Limburg, Belgium · 29 August 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
A challenging gravel event in Belgium offering routes up to 200km, primarily on 70% unpaved forest, heathland, and sand roads. The event culminates in a festive post-ride social gathering with food and an afterparty.
Visit official site →This event is designed for gravel and mountain bike riders who enjoy long distances on varied off-road terrain and appreciate a social atmosphere with amenities like prepared food, drinks, and showers.
Riders who are new to extensive off-road riding, particularly on sandy or technical dirt paths, or those unprepared for the endurance required for routes up to 200km, may find this event very demanding.
Training should concentrate on building long-distance endurance, honing bike handling skills for diverse unpaved surfaces including sand, and practicing consistent fueling and hydration strategies.
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The event offers various routes, including options for 85km, 105km, 140km, 155km, and a challenging 200km Big Bad Wolf Ride.
Riders will encounter approximately 70% unpaved surfaces, which include gravel, forest roads, heathland paths, and sections with sand.
Participants are welcome to join the ride using either a gravel bike or a mountain bike.
The event includes coffee and a pastry at the start, multiple aid stations along the routes, bike service for mechanical issues, showers at the finish, a Bicky Burger upon arrival, a souvenir, and the GPX route file.
Yes, the event features an afterparty, and an optional BBQ is available for an additional fee. There is also a dedicated camping area accessible from Friday evening until Sunday midday.
The 200km route starts between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. The 155km route starts between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The 140km, 105km, and 85km (self-guided) routes start between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, with the 85km group ride specifically departing at 9:30 AM.
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